the city installed new state of the article as last year, and -- of the art cameras last year and they've seen an increase in violations. aaa says over 17,000 drivers were ticketed in the city last year. some drivers received tickets even though they were completely stopped but they crossed just beyond the solid white line. now some are saying that's not right. >> if they had gotten through on yellow or if the light had turned red while they were in the intersection, they would not have gotten a ticket. but they did the honest thing, they stopped trying to avoid a ticket and still ended up with a ticket and motorists are outraged about this. >> the number of tickets last year, more than doubled those issued the year before. >>> today marks fat tuesday where the party in new orleans is reaching a fever pitch just before lent. so here's a live look at bourbon street. yup. they are having a good time down there for the traditional celebration. vinita nair is in the crowd. >> reporter: the first mardi gras parade started first thing in the morning. thousands came out to see the zulu parade. a